KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Andy White of Ashland, Ohio, proved his talent as a livestock auctioneer at the first of three qualifying events for the Livestock Marketing Association’s (LMA) World Livestock Auctioneer Championship (WLAC).
Qualifying event
The qualifying event took place at Arcadia Stockyards, Arcadia, Fla.
Despite the WLAC qualifying event being White’s first one to compete in, he is no stranger to the auctioneering field or auctioneer contests.
White has been an auctioneer for the past 13 years and regularly sells at livestock auction markets, as well as for purebred cattle, real estate and equipment sales.
He has competed in various auctioneer contests not tied to the WLAC.
Expand his network
White said he was “taken back, humbled” by winning the Eastern Regional WLAC qualifying event.
Also making a great showing at the qualifying event were the reserve champion, Philip Gilstrap, Pendleton, S.C. and runner-up champion, Will Epperly, Dunlap, Iowa.
The remaining finalists who earned a spot at the 2015 WLAC are Jeff Bynum, Attalla, Ala.; Shannon Davis, Winnsboro, Texas; Mark Lane, Russellville, Ala.; Wade Leist, Boyne City, Mich.; Brian Little, Wann, Okla.; Jacob Massey, Petersburg, Tenn.; and Jay Romine, Mt. Washington, Ky.
Live bidders
The contest is conducted during an actual sale with live bidders in the seats.
Contestants were judged on the clarity of their auction chant; vocal quality; their ability to catch bids and conduct the sale; and finally, if the judge would hire this auctioneer for their own livestock market.
Each year, there are three qualifying events that give livestock auctioneers the opportunity to qualify for the WLAC.
International champion
The second qualifier will be at Coffeyville Livestock Market, Coffeyville, Kan. and the third at Torrington Livestock Markets, Torrington, Wyo.
Ten finalists are selected at each qualifying event; those finalists and an international champion selected during the Calgary Stampede compete at the WLAC.
Livestock
The 2015 WLAC will be in Clifton, Texas at Clifton Livestock Commission Co. June 13, in conjunction with the LMA Annual Convention in Waco, Texas.
The WLAC highlights the auctioneer’s role in the competitive marketing of livestock. LMA hosts the contest each year to promote the auction method of selling livestock, which results in true price discovery on the value of all classes of livestock and sets the cash market for all other methods of selling.
All qualifying events and the WLAC are broadcast live on LMAAuctions.com.
